Question

Though the colonists were on the western side of the Atlantic, they still considered themselves ____.

a) Englishmen
b) Frenchmen
c) Free Spaniards
d) None of the above

Answer 1

Before the American Revolution, colonists in North America considered themselves Englishmen, but due to perceived social inequalities, they sought recognition as equals. Post-revolution, they identified themselves as Americans, with allegiances to their states.

Step-by-step explanation:

Though the colonists were on the western side of the Atlantic, they still considered themselves Englishmen. Before the American Revolution, many of the colonists felt they were British citizens living in the colonies. The perspective from England was different; Americans were seen as subjects of His Majesty but not quite English in the same way as those in England. This perceived social inequality was one of the many grievances leading to revolutionary sentiment in the colonies. However, the need to be accepted and treated as English concluded with the American Revolution. After the war, they considered themselves Americans and identified with their respective states.